Pharmacopœia Londinensis, or, The London dispensatory further adorned by the studies and collections of the Fellows, now living of the said colledg ... / by Nich. Culpeper, Gent.

Sect. 3. Of the Properties or Operations of Medicines.

THat I may be as plain as can be in this (for I desire to be understood of all) I shall devide this SECTION into these Chapters, Viz.

Of MEDICINES.

Chap.
〈◊〉〈◊〉.	1
Hardning.	2
Loosning.	3
Making thin, and thick.	4
Opening the Vessels.	5
Attinuating.	6
Drawing.	7
Discussing.	8
Repelling.	9
Burning.	10
Clensing.	11
Emplasticks.	12
Suppuring.	13
Provoking Urin.	14
Provoking the Terms.	15
Breeding Milk.	16
Regarding the Seed.	17
Easing Pain.	18
Breeding Flesh.	19
Glutinative.	20
Scarrifying.	21
Resisting Poyson.	22
Adorning the Body.	23
Purging.	24

Of all these in order, and in the same order they are set down.

Chap. 1. Of Emollient Medicines.

THe various mixtures of Heat, Cold, Driness, and Moisture in Simples, must of necessity produce variety of Faculties, and Operations in them, which now we come to treat of, beginning first at Emollients.

What is hard and what is soft, most men know, but few are able to express; Phylosophers define that to be hard which yields not to touching, and soft to be the contrary; An Emollient, or softning Medi∣cine (which is all one) is such a Medicine as redu∣ceth a hard substance to its proper temperature.

But to leave Phylosophy, and keep to Physick; Physitians describe hardness to be two-fold.

• 1. A distention or stretching of a part by too much fulness.
• 2. Thick humors which are destitute of heat, growing hard in that part of the Body into which they flow.

So many properties then ought Emollient Medi∣cines to have, viz. to moisten what is dry, to dis∣cuss what is stretched, to warm what is congealed by cold, yet properly, that only is said to mollifie which reduceth a hard substance to its proper temper.

Driness and thickness of humors being the cause of hardness, Emollient Medicines must of necessity be hot and moist; and although you may peradventure find some of them dry in the Second or Third De∣grees, yet must this driness be tempered and quali∣fied with heat and moisture, for Reason will tell you that dry Medicines make hard parts harder.

Besides, In Scirrhous humors (in which Emollients are most in use) various Symptoms appear, so that the hardness being not Simple, the Emollients are not, nor ought not to be alwaies one and the same, as for example: Sometimes the Swelling abounds with moisture, and then the Medicine must be dryer, not to mollifie the swelling, but to consume the moi∣sture; Sometimes the humor is so tough, that tem∣perate Medicines will not stir it, then must the Me∣dicine be the hotter, these things are accedental ac∣cording as the humor offending is; it follows not for all this, that Emollient Medicines should not be temperately hot and moist in their own Nature; for general Rules are not to be accounted false, because a man must sometimes swerve from them, for this is the true use of all Rules, viz. To vary them accor∣ding to the various Symptoms of the Disease, and here∣in is the judgment of the Physitians tried.

Lastly, Molifying Medicines are known, 1. By their tast, 2. By their feeling.

• 1. In tast, they are neer unto sweet, but Fat and Oyly, they are neither sharp, nor austere, nor sowr, nor salt, neither do they manifest either binding, or vehement heat, or cold to be in them.
• 2. In feeling you can perceive no roughness, nei∣ther do they stick to your Fingers like Birdlime, for they ought to penetrate the parts to be mollified, and therefore many times if occasion be, are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Me∣dicines mixed with them.

Chap. 2. Of Hardning Medicines.

GALEN in Lib. 5. De Simpl. Med. Fa∣cult. Cap. 10. determins Hardning Medicines to be cold and moist, and he brings some arguments to prove it, against which other Physitians contest.

I shall not here stand to quote the Dispute, only take notice, That if softning Medicines be hot and moist (as we shewed even now) then hardning Medi∣cines must needs be cold and dry, because they are contrary to them.

• The Universal course of Nature will prove it for driness and moisture are passive qualities, neither can extremities consist in moisture as you may know, if you do but consider that driness is not attributed to the Air, nor Water, but to the Fire, and Earth.
• 2. The thing to be congealed must needs be moist, therefore the Medicine congealing must of necessity be dry, for if cold be joyned with driness, it con∣tracts the pores that so the humors cannot be scatter∣ed.

Yet you must observe a difference between Medi∣cines drying, making thick, hardning, and con∣gealing, of which differences a few words will not do amiss.

• 1. Such Medicines are said to dry, which draw out, or drink up the moisture, as a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 drinks up water.
• 2. Such Medicines are said to make thick, as do not consume the moisture, but ad driness to it, as you make Syrups into a thick Electuary by adding Pouders to them.
• 3. Such as congeal, neither draw out the moisture not make it thick by adding driness to it, but con∣tract it by vehement cold, as Water is frozen into Ice.
• 4. Hardning disfers from all these, for the parts of the Body swell and are filled with Flegmatick hu∣mors, or Melancholly Blood, which at last grows hard.

That you may cleerly understand this, observe but these two things.

• 1. What it is which worketh.
• 2. What it worketh upon.

That which worketh is outward cold, that which is wrought upon is a certain thickness & driness of hu∣mors, for if the humor were fluid as water is it might properly be said to be congealed by cold, but not so properly hardned. Thus you see cold & drines to be the cause of hardning. But enough of this (perhaps some may think too much) This hardning being so far from being useful, that it is obnoxious to the Body of Man, I pass it without more words. I suppose when Galen wrote of hardning Medicines, he intended such as make thick, and therefore amongst them he reckons up, Fleawort, Purslain, Housleek, and the like, which asswage the heat of the humors in Swel∣lings, and stop subtil and sharp Defluxious upon the Lungues, but of these more anon.

CHAP. 3. Of Loosning Medicines.

BY Loosning here, I do not mean Purging; not that which is opposit to Astringency, but that which is opposit to stretching: I knew not suddenly what fitter English Name to give it, than Loosning or Laxation, which latter is scarce English.

The Members are distended or stretched divers waies, and ought to be loosned as many, for they are stretched sometimes by driness, sometimes by cold, sometimes by repletion or fulness, sometimes by swel∣lings, and sometimes by some of these joyned to∣gether. I avoid terms of Art as much as I can, be∣cause it would profit my Country but little, to give them the Rules of Physick in such English as they understand not.

I confess the Opinion of Ancient Physitians hath been various about these Loosning Medicines. Ga∣len's Opinion was, That they might be referred ei∣ther to moistning, or heating, or mollifying, or evacuating Medicines, and therefore ought not to be referr'd to a Chapter by themselves.

Tis like they may, and so may all other Medicines be referred to heat, or coldness, or dryness, or moi∣sture: But we speak not here of the Particular pro∣perties of Medicines, but of their Joyned proper∣ties, as they heat and moisten.

Others, they question how they can be distinguish∣ed from such as mollifie, seeing such as are loosning, and such as are emollient, are both of them hot and moist.

To that, thus: Stetching and Loosning are ascri∣bed to the movable parts of the Body, as to the Mus∣cles and their Tendons, to the Ligaments, and Mem∣branae; But softness and hardness to such parts of the Body as may be felt with the hand: I shall make it cleer by a Similitude: Wax is softned being hard, but Fiddle-strings are loosned being stretched. And if you say that the difference lying only in the parts of the Body, is no true difference; then take notice, that such Medicines which loosen, are less hot and more moistning than such as soften, for they operate most by heat, these by moisture.

The truth is, I am of Opinion, the difference is not much, nay, scarce sensible, between Emollient and Loosning Medicines, Only I quoted this in a Chapter by itself, not so much because some Au∣thors do, as because it conduceth to the encrease of knowledge in Physick, for want of which this poor Nation is almost spoiled.

The chief Use of Loosning Medicines is in Con∣vulsions and Cramps, and such like infirmities which cause distention or stretching.

They are known by the very same marks and to∣kens that Emollient Medicines are.

CHAP. 4. Of Medicines making thin and thick.

MEdicines which rarify, or make thin, are such which open the pores of the skin, and make them wider, they are not so moist as Emollient Me∣dicines are, but of thin and subtil parts, they are hot, but not so hot that they should draw the matter to them, or discuss it, as we shall shew when we come to speak of those Faculties.

Such as make thick are contrary to these, these are cold and stop the pores of the skin.

These Galen would have to be moist, neither is there any difference between his Description of hard∣ning Medicines, and such as make thick.

• 1. The Use of Rarifying Medicines is, to open the* 1.1 pores of the skin, and make them wider, that so the vapors arising from Blood overheated may pass out, and that was the Reason Wrestlers in ancient times came to their exercise with their Bodies anoyn∣ted, that so the vapors caused by stirring their Bodies might pass out, and not cause Feavers or other mis∣chief to the Bowels by being kept in.
• 2. Rarifying Medicines conduce much to the miti∣gation of pain, for the pores of the Skin being open∣ed, the matter causing the pain is the easier expel∣led.

Again, In swellings, it is not only the plenty of humors that causeth pain, but the driness, hardness, or stretching of the Skin, therefore seeing Medi∣cines which rarify or make thin, do both loosen and

mollifie, they must of necessity by these operations mitigate pain.

Also there is much profit in the use of thickning Medicines, for they make the Skin firm, thereby not only the better resisting cold, but also they stop too much sweating, and desolution of the spirits that way, which often happens to them that are weak.

CHAP 5. Of Medicines opening the Mouths of the Vessels.

THese Galen thought to be hot, but of thick parts and biting.

Let none admire that thickness should be attributed to Medicines of an opening substance, seeing thick∣ness seems rather to stop than to open. For answer to this, you must consider the manner of opening obstructions, and of opening the mouths of the Ves∣sels is different, Obstructions require cutting Medi∣cines by which the thickness of the matter obstruct∣ing is made thinner, therefore the Medicine ought not to be thick, but of thin substance that it may the better penetrate (I do not mean of a thin Body, like water, for that causeth Obstructions rather then take them away, but of thin parts, viz. Making thin) But those Medicines which are said to open the mouths or passages of the Vessels, are of thick parts, that they may not only penetrate, but also strengthen the passages by which they pass, therefore Galen be∣sides heat, appointed thickness of parts and sharpness, or biting, as Pepper bites, for such a sharp heat is very effectual to penetrate, and cannot stop in the least; for although the Skin be easily contracted by gentle Medicines, the Vessels cannot be shut but by things vehemently binding, and therefore let these Medicines of thick substance be also moist, for moi∣sture cannot so forcibly bind as to stop the mouths of the Vessels.

The Use of opening Medicines may be easily ga∣thered* 1.2 from the use of the Vessels to be opened, for seeing their use is to hold Blood, which sometimes offend in quantity, sometimes in quality, such infir∣mities are to be remedied by opening Medicines.

They are easily known by tast, being sharp and piercing, and bite the tongue, but such as are stop∣ping, are cold and binding, and contract the tongue in tasting of them.

CHAP. 6. Of Attenuating Medicines.

THe use of Attenuating Medicines is to open the obstructions of the Bowels.

The Bowels are obstructed or stopped by tough and viscus humors, hence then it is cleer that Attenua∣ting, or Extenuating Medicines ought to be thin of substance, but whether they ought all to be hot or not, is some question, for indeed many cold Medi∣cines cut tough humors and open obstructions, as Vinegar, Endive, Succory, and the like. I shall not enter into the Dispute here whether all cold things bind or not, and therefore some hold Vinegar to be hot in it self, and cool only by accedent; we know Wine is hot, and Vinegar is nothing but corrupted Wine, and we know as well that putrifaction turns things usually into a contrary quality, and besides if you ask Physitians how one Simple can perform two contrary operations, they presently run into the old bush, It doth it (say they) by a hidden quality.

The use of Attenuating Medicines is to open the Bowels, to clense the Breast of Flegm, co expel the Terms, &c.

Your best course is, first to clense the body by some gentle purge before you use Attenuating Medicines, lest they seise upon the Blood and cause Feavers, or other mischeifs as bad.

They are in tast sharp, sowr, or bitter, yet such as being tasted dilate the tongue, and contract it not.

Chap. 7. Of Drawing Medicines.

THe Opinion of Physitians is concerning these as it is concerning other Medicines, viz. Some draw by a manifest quality, some by a hidden, and so (quoth they) they draw to themselves both humors and thorns, or splinters that are gotten into the Flesh, however this is certain, they are all of them hot, and of thin parts; hot because the Nature of heat is to draw, of thin parts that so they may penetrate to the humors that are to be drawn out.

Their Use is various, viz.

• 1. That the Bowels may be disburthened of corrupt* 1.3 humors.
• 2. Outwardly used, by them the offending humor* 1.4 (I should have said the Peccant humor, had I writ∣ten only to Scholers) is called from the internal parts of the Body to the Superficies.
• 3. By them the Crisis of a Disease is much helped* 1.5 forward.
• 4. They are exceeding profitable to draw forth Poy∣son* 1.6 out of the Body.
• 5. Parts of the Body overcooled are cured by these* 1.7 Medicines, viz. By applying them outwardly to the place, not only because they heat, but also because they draw the spirits by which life and and heat are cherished to the part of the Body which is destitute of them, you cannot but konw that many times parts of the Body fall away in Flesh, and their strength decays as in some peoples Arms or Legs, or the like, the u∣sual Reason is, Because the vital Spirit decaies in those parts, to which use such Plaisters or Oyntments as are attractive (which is the Physical term for draw∣ing Medicines) for they do not only cherish the parts by their own proper heat, but draw the Vital and Natural spirits thither, whereby they are both quick∣ned and nourished.
• ...

  They are known almost by the same tokens that Attenuating Medicines are, seeing Heat, and thin∣ness of parts is in them both, they differ only in re∣spect of quantity, thinness of parts being most pro∣per to Attenuating Medicines, but Attractive Medi∣cines are hotter.

Chap. 8. Of Discussive Medicines.

BY Discussive Medicines I intend such as the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 commonly Physitians call them by the names of Diaphoreticks; in plain English, they are such Medicines as provoke Sweat, or as work by insensible transpiraton, which is another term they give to Sweating. I quote these terms, and explain them, because I would not have my Country-men hood-wink'd with strange terms; I am half of Opi∣nion it is one way by which they are trained up in sla∣very.

The nature of Discussing (or Sweating) Medi∣cines is almost the same with Attractive, for there are no discussive Medicines but are attractive, nor scarce any attractive Medicine but is in some measure or other discussing. The difference then is only this; That discussive Medicines is hotter than attractive, and therefore nothing else need be written of their na∣ture.

Their Use may be known even from their very* 1.8 Name; for diseases that come by repletion or fulness, are cured by evacuation or emptying, yet neither* 1.9 Blood nor gross humors are to be expelled by Sweating or insensible transpiration (as they call it) but the one requires Blood-letting, the other Purgation; but Serosus or thin humors and filthy vapors, and such like superfluities, are to be expelled by sweat, and be wary in this too, for many of them work violently,* 1.10 and violent Medicines are not rashly to be gi∣ven.

Besides, Swellings are sometimes made so hard by* 1.11 sweating Medicines, that afterwards they can never be cured; For what is Thin being by such Medi∣cines taken away, nothing but what is perfectly hard remains: If you fear such a thing, mix Emollients with them.

Again, Sometimes by using Discussives, the hu∣mors* 1.12 offending (which Physitians usually call the Peccant humor) is driven to some more noble part of the Body, or else it draws more than it discusseth; in such cases, concoct and attenuate the matter offen∣ding before you go about to discuss it.

From hence may easily be gathered at what time of the Disease Discussive Medicines are to be used, viz. about the declining of the disease, although in dis∣eases arising from heat of blood, we sometimes use them in the encrease and state of them.

They are known by the same marks and tokens attenuating Medicines are, viz. by their burning and biting quality, they being very hot and of thin parts, void of any biting quality, therefore they con∣tract not the Tongue in tasting of them.

Chap. 9. Of Repelling Medicines.

REpelling Medicines are of Contrary operation to these three last Mentioned, viz. Attenua∣ting, Drawing, and Discussive Medicines; 'Tis true, there is but little difference between these three, some hold none at all; and if you will be so nice, you may oppose them thus. And so Medicines ma∣king thick correspond to Attenuating Medicines, or such as make thin, repelling Medicines are opposed to such as draw, and such as retain the humors and make them tough, are oppisit to such as discuss, some hold this niceness needless.

2. The sentence of Authors about Repulsive Medi∣cines is various:

For seeing an Influxion may be caused many waies: A Repulsive hath got as many defenitions.

For such things as cool, bind, stop and make thick,

stay Influxions, and therefore Repulsives are by Au∣thors opposed. not only to Attractives, but also to Atte∣nuating, and Discussing Medicines.

But properly such things are called Repulsives, which do not only stay Inflaxions, (for so do such Medicines which step and and make thick) but such as drive the humors flowing to, or inherent in the place, to some other place.

The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is, Binding is inherent to Repulsives, so is not coldness nor making thick: Yet such as are binding, cold and thin in operation are most effectu∣al.

Your tast will find Repulsives to be, tart, or sharp, or austere, with a certain binding which contracts the Tongue.

Their Use is manifold, as in hot Tumors, Head∣aches* 1.13 or the like.

By these in Feavers are the Vapors driven from the* 1.14 Head: Vineger of Roses is notable.

They are most commodious in the beginning and* 1.15 encrease of a disease, for then Influxions are most rife.

But seeing that in the cure of Tumors there are two Scopes, 1 That that which flows to it may be re∣pelled. 2 That that which is already in it may be discussed: Repulsives are most commodiously used in the beginning, discussives in the latter end.

In the middle you may mix them with this Provi∣so, That Repulsives exceed in the beginning, Dis∣cussives in the latter end.

If the matter offending be of a venemous quality,* 1.16 either abstain from Repulsives altogether, or use Pur∣ging first, lest the matter fly to the Bowels and prove dangerous, especially if the Bowels be weak.* 1.17

Also forbear Repulsives, if the pain be great.* 1.18

Lastly, Have a care lest by Repulsives you contract the Pores so much, that the matter cannot be remo∣ved by Discussives.

Chap. 10. Of Burning Medicines.

SUch Medicins are called by the Greeks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 so vehement hot that they burn the Skin like fire or scalding 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Physitians to keep the People in ignorance that so they may the better make slaves of them, use the Greek name [〈◊〉〈◊〉]

Yet these also are distinguished by their degrees, for some are milder, and only cause redness to, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the skin, others burn both skin and flesh, and are used to make Issues.

The mildest are many times used to such Limbs as* 1.19 are wasted away.

To burn off Hair, to dissolve hard and callous tu∣mors,* 1.20 to consume Warts, and Polypus which is a fleshy excressence growing in the Nose, in the cure of Gouts, and Lethargies.

Fistulaes and malignant Ulcers are restrained this* 1.21 way, and dangerous defluxion of humors to the su∣perficies of the Body and many things of the like Na∣ture.

Yet must this sort of Medicines be used very cir∣cumspectly,* 1.22 lest it cause either Feavers or Convusions, therefore use it not at all till the Body be first well purged.

If you use it to restore Limbs, temper it with mil∣der* 1.23 things.

Lastly, Have a care lest the parts adjacent be in∣flamed,* 1.24 which you may both prevent and remedy by anointing them with cool Oyntments.

Chap. 11. Of Clensing Medicines.

CLensing Medicines can neither be defined by heat, nor coldness,, because some of both sorts clense.

A clensing Medicine then is of a terrene quality, which takes away the filth with it and carries it out.

Here to avoid confusion, a difference must be made between wathing 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.* 1.25

A thing which 〈◊〉〈◊〉, carries away by Fluxion, as a man washeth the dirt off from a thing.

A clensing Medicine by a certain roughness or ni∣trous quality, carries away the compacted filth with it.

This also is the difference between clensing and discussing Medicines, the one makes thick humors thin, and so scatters them, but a clensing Medicine takes the most tenacious humor along with it, with∣out any alteration.

Besides, Of clensing Medicines some are of a gentler nature which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, some are more vehement called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

These are not known one and the same way, for some are sweet, some salt, and some bitter.

The Use of clensing is external, as the use of Pur∣ges internal.

They are used to clense the Sanies and other filth of Ulcers, yea and to consume and eat away the Flesh it self, as burnt Allum, Prescipetate, &c.

When these must be used, not only the affects of the Ulcers, but also the temperature of the Body will tell you.

For if you see either a Disease of fulness, which our Physitians call [Plethora] or corrupted humors which they call [Cacochyma] you must empty the Bo∣dy of these, viz. fulness by bleeding, and corrupt

humors or evil state of the Body, by purging before you use clensing Medicines to the Ulcer, else your cure will never proceed prosperously.

In the Ulcer, pain to be eased, some part of the Ul∣cer to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Flux to be stopped, or Inflama∣tion to be ceased will instruct a prudent Artificer.

Chap. 12. Of Emplasters.

BY 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 here, do I mean things glutinative, and they are clean contrary to things clensing, They are of a fat glutenous or tenareous substance. They differ from things stopping because they do not stop the pores so much, as stick to them like Bird∣lime.

They have a certain glutenous heat, tempered both with coldness and moisture.

From these, Plaisters take their names.

Their tast is either none at all, or not discernable whether hot or cold but sat, insipid or without tast or sweet, viscous in feeling.

Their use is to stop flowing of Blood and other* 1.26 Fluxes, to cause suppuration, to contain in the heat, that so tumors may be ripened.

Also they are mixed with other Medicines, that they may the better be brought into the form of an Emplaster, and may stick the better to the Mem∣bers.

Chap. 13. Of Suppuring Medicines

THese have a great affinity with Emolients, like to them in temperature, only Emollients are mething hotter.

Yet is there a difference as apparent as the Sun is when he is upon the Meridian, and the use is mani∣fest. For,

Emollients are to make hard things soft; but what Suppures, rather makes a generation than an alterati∣on of the humor.

Natural heat is the efficient cause of Suppuration, neither can it be done by any external means.

Therefore such things are said to suppure, which by a gentle heat cherish the inbred heat of man.

This is done by such Medicines which are not on∣ly temperate in heat, but also by a gentle viscosity, fill up or stop the Pores, that so the heat of the part affected be not scattered.

For although such things as bind hinder the dissi∣pation of the Spirits, and internal heat, yet they re∣tain not the moisture as Suppuring Medicines pro∣perly and especially do.

The heat then of Suppuring Medicines is like the internal heat of our Bodies.

As things then very hot, are ingrateful either by biting, as Pepper, or bitterness: in Suppuring Me∣dicines, no biting, no binding, no nitrous quality is perceived by the tast (I shall give you better satis∣faction both in this and others, by and by)

For Reason will tell a man, that such things hinder rather than help the work of Nature in Matu∣ration.

Yet it follows not from hence, That all Suppu∣ring Medicines are grateful to the tast, for many things grateful to the tast provoke Vomiting, there∣fore why may not the contrary be?

The most frequent use of Suppuration is, to ripen* 1.27 Phlegmonae, a general term Physitians give to all swel∣lings proceeding of Blood, because Nature is very apt to help such cures, and Physick is an art to help, not to hinder Nature.

The time of Use is usually in the height of the dis∣ease, when the flux is staied, as also to ripen matter that it may be the easier purged away.

Chap. 14. Of Medicines provoking Urin.

THe causes by which Urine is suppressed are ma∣ny.

• 1. By too much drying, or sweating, it may be consumed.
• 2. By heat or inflamation of the Reins, or passa∣ges whereby it passes from the Reins, it may be stop∣ped by compression.

Urin is the thinnest part of Blood, separated from the thickest part in the Reins.

If then the Blood be more thick and viscous than ordinary, it cannot easily be separated without cut∣ting and clensing Medicines.

This is for certain, That Bloud can neither be se∣parated nor distributed without heat.

Yet amongst Diureticks are some cold things, as the four greater cold Seeds, Winter-Cherries, and the like.

Although this seem a wonder, yet may it be, and both stand with truth.

For cool Diureticks, though they further not the separation of the Bloud one jet, yet they clense and purge the passages of the Urin.

Diureticks then are of two sorts:

• 1. Such as conduce to the separation of the Bloud.
• 2. Such as open the Urinal passages.

The former are biting (and are known by that tast)* 1.28 very hot and cutting, whence they penetrate to the Reins, and cut the gross humors there.

Bitter things, although they be very hot and cut gross humors, yet are they of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and terrene substance, than is convenient to provoke Urin.

Hence then we may safely gather, That bitter things are not so moist nor penetrating as such as bite like Pepper.

Those cold things which provoke Urin, though they bite not, yet have they a nitrous quality where∣by they open and clense,

For the Use of these the Title will instruct you, only, lest they carry the humors they find in the Veins to the Reins and so make the stopping the greater, purge those places they must pass through before you administer them.

CHAP. 15. Of Medicines provoking the Terms.

THose Medicines have a great affinity with those before going.

For such as provoke the Terms, provoke also U∣rine, their Nature is almost the same, viz. Hot and of thin essence.

Only thus much, to provoke the Terms not only the Blood is to be attenuated, but the mouths of the Vessels also to be opened.

Such as open those Vessels carry a certain terrene quality with them, whereby they not only penetrate, but also penetrating dilate the Vessels, and carry a∣way the filth with them.

Things provoking the Terms ought to be hot in the third Degree, and yet not very dry.

That there is an appointed time for the Terms to come down: every Woman that is but sixteen years old can tell you.

Be sure you administer the Medicine at the time they should come down, else you will do no other good than weaken Nature.

Neither must those things be neglected which may bring the Body into a fit temper for such a busi∣ness

If the Body be full of ill humors, purge them out first before you administer hot things, lest you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the crude humors into the Veins.

By avoyding the Menstruis the Body is made ligh∣ter, and nature disburthened, health 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 procured.

The retaining of them breeds Dropsies, Falling∣sickness, and other cruel Diseases, yea sometimes Madness.

Hippocrates denies any Women have the Gout so long as they have the Terms

Chap. 16. Medicines breeding, or taking away Milk.

SEing Milk is bred of Blood, there is no question to be made but the way to encrease Milk, is to encrease the Blood.

Yet though Blood be very copious, it doth not al∣waies follow that Milk must of necessity be so too, for the Bloud may be naught, or not fit to be turned into Milk, or impedited that it cannot.

Those things are properly said to breed Milk, which breed much Bloud, and it good, and have a mode∣rate cutting faculty also.

Such things then as breed Milk are hot and of thin parts, yet differ much from those that provoke Urine or the Terms. The other Being vehemently hot, these which breed Milk temperately hot.

And if driness be adverse to the provoking of the Terms, certainly it is most adverse to breeding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Medicines which breed Milk, are in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or sweet.

For seeing both Blood and Milk are temperate, or at least very moderately hot, they must be bred of such things as are not unlike to them in Nature.

Such things as lessen Milk must needs be contrary to such things as encrease it.

This is done by drying or thickning the Blood.

They are known by tast, bitter, sharp, tart, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c. and whatsoever is excessive either in heat or cold.

If the Body be full of evil juyce, purge it before you go about to breed Milk, for the more you nourish impure. Bodies the more you offend them.

Chap. 17. Of Medicines regarding the Seed.

AS Milk, so also Seed takes his Original from Blood.

Therfore of necessity nourishing meats 〈◊〉〈◊〉 much Seed, because they beget much Blood.

This is the difference between such things as breed Milk, and such as breed Seed, Seed requires a more windy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than the other doth.

For this faculty ought to be in Seed, that being heat with spirits it may cause the Yard to stand.

Such Medicines are temperately hot and moist.

Also to provoke one to the sports of Venus, we use such things as stir up the veneral faculty.

These are hotter than those that encrease Seed, yet not so dry that they should consume the Seed.

Take notice of this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that some things dull Ve∣nus by cold, and some over power her by 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

The one of those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Seed, the other makes it torped and sluggish, staies the Itching.

For the Seed of Man is subject to as many contin∣gents as the Man himself is.

It is not my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here to treat of them, for such things as make Seed either thinner or thicker, are not properly said to breed Seed.

For the time, when Seed should be encreased; I need say nothing, unless I should say when a Man hath got a prety 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

If the Body be vicious, let it first be purged, let Seed be entreased before it be provoked.

Biting things lessen the Seed, stir up the Venerial parts to expulsion, cause Itching, or tickling of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, therefore they are good to be used a little before the act, otherwise the constant use of them, consumes and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Seed.

Observe thus much, that one and the same Medi∣cine doth not suit with every complexion, for ex∣ample, If the person be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 let the Medi∣cine be the hotter.

The use of these Medicines is the propagation of Mankind, for the desire of Children inches many to Copulation, but the pleasure that is in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ten times more.

Chap. 18. Of Medicines casing Pain.

THere is no dispute of the story but that which causeth the disease causeth the pain, as also what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the disease caseth the pain.

Yet are those properly called 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (which is the Physical term for such Medicines) which barely regard the pain, both cause and disease remaining.

These are temperate for heat, and thin for essence.

For seeing they are to be applied both to hot and cold effects, they ought not to vary much from tem∣perature.

They something excel in heat, and so they ease pain, because they open the pores, and loosen the skin.

But they also cool because they let out those hot fuliginous vapors which cause the pain.

Such things as case pain by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

They do not take away the pain at all, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 cause sleep, or so dul the sences that they cannot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it.

They are administred at such times when the Symp∣toms are so grievous that they threaten a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dan∣ger than the disease is.

If in giving them, you fear a greater fluxion will come to the part afflicted, mix some things with them, which are medicinal for the disease.

If the pain lie in the skin, let the anodines beli∣quid; the deeper it lies, the more solid let them be, lest their vertue be discussed before they come at the part afflicted.

CHAP. 19. Of Medicines breeding Flesh.

THere are many things diligently to be observed in the cures of Wounds and Ulcers, which in∣cur and hinder that the cure cannot be speedily done, nor the separated parts reduced to their natural state.

Viz. Fluxes of Bloud, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Hardness, Pain and other things besides our present scope.

Our present scope is, To shew how the cavity of Ulcers may be filled with Flesh,

Such Medicines are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Sarco∣ticks.

This, though it be the work of Nature, yet it is helped forward with Medicines, that the Bloud may be prepared, that it may the easier be turned into Flesh.

These are not Medicines which breed good Bloud, nor which correct the intemperature of the place af∣flicted, but which defend the Bloud and the Ulcer it self from corruption in breeding Flesh.

For Nature in breeding Flesh produceth two sorts of excrements, viz. serosus humors, and purulen∣tus dross.

Those Medicines then which clense and consume, these by drying are said to breed Flesh, because by their helps Nature performs that Office.

Also take notice that these Medicines are not so drying that they should consume the blood also as well as the Sanies, nor so clensing that they should consume the Flesh with the dross.

Let them not then exceed the first Degree unless the Ulcer be very moist.

Their difference are various according to the part wounded, which ought to be restored with the same Flesh.

The softer then and tenderer the place is, the gent∣ler let the Medicines be.

Chap. 20. Of Glutinative Medicines.

THat is the true cure of an Ulcer which joyns the mouth of it together.

That is a glutinative Medicine, which couples to∣gether by drying and binding, the sides of an Ulcer before brought together.

These require a greater drying faculty than the for∣mer, not only to consume what flows out, but what remains liquid in the flesh, for liquid flesh is more subject to flow abroad than to stick together.

The time of using them, any body may know with∣out teaching, viz. when the Ulcer is clensed and fil∣led with Flesh, and such symptoms as hinder are ta∣ken away.

For many times Ulcers must be kept open that the Sanies, or sords that lie in them may be purged out, whereas of themselves they would heal before.

Only beware left by too much binding you cause pain in tender parts.

Chap. 21. Of Scarrifying Medicines.

THe last part of the cure of an Ulcer is to cover it with Skin, and restore the place to its prestin beauty.

Such Medicines the Greeks call Epulotica.

This also is done by things drying and binding.

They differ from the former thus, in that they meddle with the Flesh no further than only to con∣vert it into Skin.

Before you administer Epuloticks, let not only the Ulcer but the places adjacent be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 viewed, lest ill Symptoms follows.

Chap. 22. Of Medicines resisting Poyson.

SUch Medicines' are called Alexiteria, and Alexi∣pharmaca, which resist Poyson.

Some of these resist Poyson by Astral influence, and some Physitians (though but few) can give a rea∣son of it.

These they have sorted into three Ranks.

• 1. Such as strengthen Nature that so it may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Poyson the easier.
• 2. Such as oppose the Poyson by a contrary quali∣ty.
• 3. Such as violently thrust it out of doors.

Such as strengthen Nature against Poyson either do it to the whol Body universally, or else streng∣then some particular part thereof.

For many times one particular part of the Body is most afflicted by the Poyson, suppose the Stomach, Liver, Brain, or any other part, such as cherish and strengthen those parts being weakned, may be said to resist Poyson.

Such as strengthen the Spirits, strengthen all the Body.

Sometimes Poysons kill by their quality, and then are they to be corrected by their contraries.

They which kill by cooling are to be remedied by

heating, and the contrary, they which kill by corrho∣ding are to be cured by lenitives such as temper their acrimony.

Those which kill by Induration, or Coagulation require cutting Medicines.

Also because all Poysons are in motion, neither stay they in one till they have seised and oppressed the Fountain of Life, therefore have they invented ano∣ther faculty to stay their motion, viz. Terrene and Emplastick.

For they judg, if the Poyson light upon these Me∣dicines, they embrace them round with a viscous quality.

Also they say the waies and passages are stopped by such means, to hinder their proceeding, take Terra Lemnia for one.

Truly if these Reasons be good, which I leave to future time to determin, it may be done for a little cost.

Some are of opinion that the safest way is to expel the Poyson out of the Body, so soon as may be, and that is done, by Vomit, or Purge, or Sweat.

You need not question the time, but do it assoon as may be; for there is no Parlying with Poyson.

Let Vomiting be the first, Purging the next, and Sweating the last. This is general. But,

If thou doest but observe the nature and motion of he Venem, that will be thy best Instructer.

In the Stomach it requires Vomiting, in the Bloud and Spirits Sweating; if the Body be Plethorick, Bleeding; if full of evil humors, Purging.

Lastly, The Cure: being ended, strengthen the parts afflicted.

Thus our common Physitians, But out of questi∣on, Medecines whose operation is by Astral influ∣ence, are both safest and speediest, not only in this but in all other Diseases, but this is beside my pre∣sent scope, and Physitians confess is hid from their eyes, that belongs to my own Model, which I trust in God I shall live to perfect. This is that that curés diseases per se, the other per accidens; this Moderns quite neglected: some Ancients were groping at it, though left it not to posterity.

Chap. 23. Of Medicines Adorning the Body.

SUch Medicines as adorn the Body, adding Com∣liness and Beauty to it, are called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Beauty is a blessing of God, and every one ought to preserve it; they offend as much that neglect it, as they do that paint their Faces.

They are apropriated to the Skin, Hair, and Teeth.

The Skin is pestered with Spots, Pimples, Freckles, Wrinkles and Sunburning.

The Hair either fals off, or hangs not as it should do.

The Teeth are either loose, or fal out, or stink, or are black.

Spots and Sun-burning, as also blackness of the Teeth are to be taken away by clensing Medicines, of which before.

Redness of the Face proceedeth from diverse cau∣ses, therefore are the remedies as diverse.

If of heat, cool the Blood; if it be impacted to the Skin, use extenuating Medicines; if of both, use both.

If the failing be extrinsecal, use extrinsecal Medi∣cines; if intrinsecal, let the remedy be so also.

Wrinkles are taken away by Laxative, Lenient, and Emollient Medicines.

For falling off of Hair, correct the pravity of the humor that causeth it.

Gentle heat breeds hair, and preserves it; clen∣sing and corrhoding Medicines take it away.

Drying and binding Medicines cause Hair to curl.

Clensing things make the Teeth clean, binding things strengthen them, but have a care they have not a blackish quality with them, which is incident to many binding Medicines.

Clensing and discussing Medicines take Scurf or Dandrif from the Head.

In all these, see the Bowels be clean, else local Me∣dicines are applied in vain.

In preserving Hair, only two things are consider∣able.

• 1. To contract the pores.
• 2. To see that the Hair have nourishment.

Chap. 24. Of Purging Medicines.

MUch jarring hath been amongst Physitians a∣bout Purging Medicines, namely whether they draw the humors to them by a hidden quality, which in plain English is, they know not how; or whe∣ther they perform their office by a manifest quality, viz. By heat, driness, coldness, or moisture; It is not my present scope to enter the lists of a Dispute a∣bout the business, neither seems it such a hidden thing to me that every like should draw its like, only to make the matter as plain as I can, I subdivide this

Chapter into these following Parts.

• 1. Cautions concerning Purging.
• 2. Of the choice purging Medicines.
• 3. Of the time of taking them.
• 4. Of the correcting of them.
• 5. Of the manner of Purging.

Cautions concerning Purging.

IN this, first consider diligently, and be exceeding cautious in it too, what the matter offending is, what part of the Body is afflicted by it, and which is the best way to bring it out.

Only here by the way first, have a care of giving Vomits, for they usually work more violently, and afflict the Body more than Purges do, therefore are not fit for weak Bodies, be sure the matter offending lie in the tunicle of the Stomach, else is a Vomit gi∣ven in vain.

Secondly, Vomits are more dangerous for Women than Men, especially such as are either with Child, or subject to the Fits of the Mother. This is the first Caution.

Secondly, What Medicine is apropriated to the purging of such a humor, for seeing the offending matter is not alike in all, the purging Medicine ought not to be the same to all. I shall speak more of this anon. As also of the divers waies whereby Medi∣cines draw out or cast out humors, viz. By lenify∣ing, clensing, provoking Nature to expulsion, and (which is stranger than the Doctors hidden Quality) some purge by binding, but indeed and in truth such as are properly called purging Medicines, which be∣sides these faculties have gotten another, by which they draw, or call out the humors from the most re∣mote parts of the Body, whether these do it by heat, or by an hidden quality, Physitians are scarce able to determin, it being very well known to modern Phy∣sitians though the Ancient denied it, that many cold Medicines purge: For my part I shall forbear the Dispute here, not because I am not able to answer it, but because I would train up my Country men first a little better in the Grounds of Physick, it be∣ing my Opinion that yong Physitians as well as yong Christians ought not to be led into doubtful Dispu∣tations. This is the Second Caution.

Thirdly, There is this Faculty in all the Purges of Galen's Model (because he gives the whol Simple, which must needs consist of divers qualities, because the Creation is made up of, and consists by a harmo∣ny of contraries) there is (I say) this Faculty in all Purges of that Nature, that they contain in them a substance which is inimical both to the Stomach and Bowels, and some are of opinion this doth good, namely, Provokes Nature the more to expulsion; the reason might be good if the Foundation of it were so, for by this reason Nature her self should purge not the Medicine, and a Physitian who takes his name from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signifies Nature, should help Na∣ture in her business and not hinder her. But to for∣bear being critical, this substance which I told you was inimical to the Stomach, must be corrected in every Purge; And this is my Third Caution.

Fourthly, The choice of Purging Medicines is very difficult, they are not Physick for every Ignoramus to prescribe, for some purge gently, some violently, some are apropriated to Flegm, some to Choller, some to Melancholly, and some to Water, or sero∣sus humors: Consider this but duly, and withal, what mischief may accrue by giving a Medicine pur∣ging Choller, in a Disease proceeding of Flegm or watry humors, you may easily see without a pair of Spectacles, that it cannot but weaken the Spirits ex∣ceedingly, and abate Natural heat, which is all Na∣ture hath to help her self in such a case, as also hinder the clarification of the Blood which is done by Chol∣ler, thereby encreasing the Disease, and opening a gap to let out Life, and let in Death; It were vain to recite what mischiefs may follow the giving of violent Purges to weak Bodies, or to strong Bodies where the humor offending is not tough and viscous, but fluid and easie to be carried away, I shall touch upon them by and by, only here you may see reason enough, why I am so long upon this Subject.

Lastly, When you perfectly know the humor offen∣ding, the convenient Medicine, and fit correction for it, the time and manner of using it remains to be enquired into.

These I thought to premise by way of Caution be∣fore I come to the matter it self intended, and so much the rather because people from one Generation to a∣nother have been so trained up in ignorance by Phy∣sitians who have absconded the Method of Physick from them, that now like mad men (oppression ha∣ving almost, if not altogether made them so) when they all any thing, they take any Purge what their next Neighbor adviseth them to, right or wrong 'tis no matter, their wit in, and consideration of the business being much at one.

Of the Choyce of Purging Medicines.

WE told you before, that purging Medicines were apropriated to certain humors, the redundancy or overflowing of which causeth diseases in the Body of Man, of these such as proceed from Blood are not to be remedied by Purging.

The Humors to be purged are Four, viz.

• Flegm.
• Watry Humor.
• Choller.
• Melancholly.

According to the quality of these are Purging Medi∣cines to be chosen.

Before I come to them, give me leave to premise one word or two, I shall only here quote Purging Sim∣ples because I am now upon the Simples, I shall touch upon the Purging Compounds when I come unto them, and if any ask why I meddle with no other Medicines than what the Colledg makes use of, tell them the reason is, Because the Colledg have so ordered the matter, that a man can buy no other for his money.

The most noted qualities of Purging Medicines. I shall first give you a Synopsis or Joynt-view of Pur∣ging Simples usually to be had.

Secondly, speak as briefly as I can of their Proper∣ties.

Purging Sim∣ples work

• Gently.
• Strongly.

Such as work gently, either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Choller, As,

Wormwood, Centaury, Aloes, Hops, Mercury, Mallows, Peach leaves and flowers, Damask Roses, Blew Violets, Cassia Fistula, Citron Mirobalans, Prunes, Tamarinds, Rhubarb, Rhapontick, Manna.

Purge Flegm, As,

Hysop, Hedg Hysop, Bastard Saffron, Broom flo∣wers, Elder flowers, Myrobalans, Bellerick, Chebs, and Emblicks, the Seed of Bastard Saffron and Broom, Jallap and Mechoacan.

Watry Humors.

The Leaves, Bark and Roots of Elder, and Dwarf Elder, or Walwort, Elder Flowers, Broom Flowers, Agrick, Jallap, Mechoacan, Orris, or Flower-de∣luce Roots.

Melancholly.

Senna, Fumitory, Dodder, Epithimum, Indian Myrobalans, Polipodium, Whey, Lapis Lazuli &c.

Violent Simples purge Choller, As

The Seeds of Spurge, the Bark and Root of the same, Scammony, Elaterium.

Flegm and Water.

Elaterium, Euphorbium, Spurge, Opopanax, Sar∣cocolla, Briony Roots, Turbith, Hermodactils, Co∣locynthis, Wild Cucumers, Sowbread, Mezereon, Squils.

Melancholly.

Hellebore white and black.

Secondly, In all these observe, That such as are gentle are only to be given to delicate and tender bo∣dies, whether the body be weake naturally, or caused so by sickness, above all give not vomits to weak sto∣machs, for the Fundament is ordained by nature to avoid the Excrements and not the mouth, which was ordained to take in, not to vomit out, therefore use vomits as seldom as may be.

But for the Election of Purges, Let such as are a∣propriated to flegm and Melancholly be mixed with such things as are thin in substance, and of a cutting quality, because these humors are tough, gentle Me∣dicines will serve to evacuate Water and Choller usu∣ally, I say [usually] because sometimes water requires such Medicines, as are of force to call them from the extream parts of the Body, and such must needs be violent in operation. I entreat all yong Students in Physick to be very careful in administring violent Medicines, and that never without due preparation of the Body beforehand, never unless the humor be so repugnant that it will not yield to gentler: And oh! that simple people would learn to be but so wise as to let them alone, and not take them themselves, the evil they may do them (if not regulated by an abler brain than dwels in their skuls) is certain, the good very uncertain; for such violent Medicines as purge Choller if immoderately taken, first draw the Chol∣ler, then the Flegm, afterwards the Melancholly, then they cuase corrosions and draw the blood; Such as purge Flegm and Water violently when they have drawn that, then they draw the Choller, then Me∣lancholly, they then corrode, and so either by exco∣riation or opening the mouths of the Veins, bloody Fluxes also follow, and many times the disease ends in the Grave; and so also the immoderate Purgation of Melancholly, first draws Choller (I mean after the Melancholly is evacuated) then Flegm, and ends as the other do, but I think this is enough to wise men. To return.

If you prepare the body beforehand (you will not want instructions how to do it in the COM∣POUNDS) then gentler Medicines will serve the turn, and therefore such Medicines as purge Water, ad but cutting Medicines to them, and they purge Flegm.

And then again, I desire you to take notice that such Medicines as have a binding quality in them are very hurtful to tough Flegm, and Melancholly, be∣cause the humors themselves being tough they make them the tougher, but they are most proper for chol∣ler and putrified 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because the first of them often causeth Defluxions, the second a loosness.

Again, Another thing I thought good to give no∣tice of, and so much the rather because I have seen it printed in English, and heard it contended for by Students in Physick, yet is the conceipt very dange∣rous, viz. That the operations of Purging Medi∣cines may be known by their colors, for say they, white Medicines purge Flegm; black, Melancholly; and yellow, Choller: I confess some Ancient Phy∣sitians were of this apish Opinion, which in no wise holds true in the general, though in some particulars it may.

Of the time of Purging.

IT was the Opinion of Hippocrates alwaies to pre∣pare the Body with hot and cutting Syrups before the purging Medicine be given, with this Proviso, That the matter be not so hot that it be thrust into the Veins and cause Feavers.

If your Purge must be strong, take some lenitive Purge, or else a Clyster before you take it, lest the passages being not opened, the matter being violent∣ly expelled be stopped in its passage, and so either Chollicks, or vehement Belly-ach, or worse mis∣chief follow.

Let it be two hours ere you drink, and four or five ere you eat after you have taken a Purge, and let your Stomach be empty when you take them.

1. Lest being mixed with the nourishment they lose their force, and so Nature convert them into nourishment, thereby corrupting the Blood.

2. All Purges are enemies to Nature, and if you mix them with food, Nature detains them the lon∣ger, and by consequence is the more prejudiced by them.

3. It is very unfitting to molest Dame Nature with two several motions at one time, viz. To ex∣pel the Purge and the obnoxious humor with it, and also at the same time to nourish the Body.

As for Lenitives or gentle Purges, and many Pills, they may safely be taken at night, as you were taught in the first part of my Directory, to which I refer you for Directions in all Purges, and I shall have a word or two to say concerning Vomits before I have done this Book: I refer it here therefore to its pro∣per place.

I shall here conclude with this Caveat, Never take sweet things after Purges, because the Liver draws them so greedily that they soon turn the Purge to ali∣ment, which if any thing will bring mischiefs more than enough to the Body, this will.

Of the correcting of Purging Medicines

IN Purging Medicines are many things consider∣able which are either to be helped forwards or cor∣rected, for of Purges some work too slowly, others too violently.

Or to be a little more distinct, some vices of a Purge may be known before it is given, and others not till after, I shall begin with the first.

There is this almost properly in all Purges, that they are obnoxious to the Stomach, and indeed to Nature it self, therefore mix some things with them which strengthen the Heart and Stomach.

Again, The gentlest Purgers that are have one discommodity in them that they are easily turned to Wind, therefore mix such things with them as expel wind (the former Rules amongst the Simples will furnish you with enough and more than enough of either) for although they be not windy of themselves, yet by their heat they stir up wind, though they meét with Flegm, or Melancholly.

Violent Purges by their Acrimony or sharp gnaw∣ing quality are inimical to the Bowels, which must in no wise be corrected with binding Physicks, for that will mend them as the Fletcher mends his Bolt, viz. Spoil all, and that by keeping them so long in the Body; such things as make slippery, lenifie, and something thicken, are proper corrigents for them, such are Quince Seeds, Mallows, Gum Tra∣gacanth, and the like.

After the Purge is given, it may offend on either hand, viz. By working either not at all, or too violently, If it work not at all, take hot Broaths; if they will not do the deed, use a Clyster.

Various and manifold are the evils that a Purge working too violently may afflict upon the Body of Man, and very dangerous, for such may produce these, or any of these consequences, and poor silly people that take them, never know whence they come.

• 1. Feavers
• 2. Vehement Head-ach.
• 3. Vertigo or Dissiness in the Head.
• 4. Weakness of Sight.
• 5. Weakness of Digestion.
• 6. Loss of Appetite.
• 7. Ulcers in the Bowels.
• 8. Hiccoughs.
• 9. Bloody Fluxes.
• 10. Tenasmus.
• 11. Weakness of the Body.
• 12. Convulsions.

If you feel these, or any of these Symptoms after Purging, you may give a shrewd guess, either your Purge was not proper for your Disease, or else wrought too violently.

It is not my present Task to shew you how to re∣medy these, the Table at the latter end will instruct you with Medicines for each, and you cannot be more unwilling to pay for one thing twice, than I am to write it.

For preventing such evils as these are (or others which perhaps a man might find in Authors) accept of these following Aphorisms.

• 1. Be sure you strengthen the Heart, for if that fail, all will be naught.
• 2. When you perceive your Purge works too vio∣lently, you may then know Nature hath got an E∣nemy that is too hard for her, therefore make as much hast as you can to expel him, ease your Body of the Purge so soon as you can, for the longer it staies in your Body, the more inimical it proves, either poy∣soning it, or leaving such Symptoms behind it as we mentioned even now, which may be done by drin∣king much Barly Water (or for want of it take any warm Water, that is clean, as Spring Water or the the like) wherein the Seeds of Fleawort, or Quince Seeds, or Gum Tragacanth is dissolved, for that

• makes the passages slippery, and hinders excoriation of the Bowels: Country people that know not how to get these, may boyl two handfuls of Mallows in a quart of Water to a pint, and drink it up, if that help not, let them drink another.
• 3. If you find the Mouths of the Veins be opened, which you may know if much blood come from you without any skins, then take a Clyster made only of new Milk, a drachm of Mastich in pouder being added to it.
• 4. Oyl of sweet Almonds taken inwardly, an ounce at a time, and as often as you will, is excellent in such a case, but let it be newly drawn.
• 5. Juyce of Quinces, Syrup of Quinces, Preserved Quinces, or that which in Suffex the Gently call Mar∣milade is very good; according to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in such a case to be taken often.
• 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Belly and Stomach with Oyl of Roses as hot as can be endured, after which sprinkle the pou∣der of Mastich, or for want of it pouder of Galle, or red Rose Leaves upon them; if you apply any Rose Cake to the Belly in such a case it would do good.
• ...

  Lastly, If for all this the matter grow desperate and will not be stopped, Mesue leaves two remedies more, which he desires may be the last that are used; and tru∣ly so do I, only I shall quote his last first, because I hold it (of the two) the safest.

  His last (but my first) is this; To take three grains of Laudanum, or if your Body be weak, but two.

  The Second is, To take a Vomit, thereby to divert the humors from their unbridled Course downward.

Of the Way, or Manner of Purging.

VArious is the way, and manner of Purging, accor∣ding to the variety of the humor offending; con∣cerning which, take these few and brief Rules, which may serve you as a Candle and Lanthorn to light you through the dark mist of your ignorance, which Physiti∣ans have envelupted you in, till such time as the Sun of Light begin to rise upon you.

• 1. If the humors be to be drawn from remote parts of the Body, as the Head, Arms, Feet, or the like, let the Purge be made up in a hard form as Pills are, for by that means it staies the longer in the Body, and is in all reason therefore the better able to perform its Office.
• 2. If the afflicting humor lie in the Bowels, or parts adjacent, use liquid Medicines, for they operate speediest, and the Bowels are soon hurt by Purging Medicines.
• 3. The infusion of such Medicines as leave a binding quality behind them, or their Decoction is most fitting to be used, for it is the earthy (quality of them which binds, much of which is cast away in an Infusion or Decoction, but all of it taken if you take the body of the simple.
• ...

  Such Purging Medicines as do leave a binding qua∣lity behind them, the chiefest of them are these, Aloes, Wormwood, Damask Roses, Rhubarb, Rhapontick, all the five sorts of Myrobalans, Prunes, Tamarinds, &c.

  If the matter be tough, viseous, and long 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it is impossible to carry it away all at once, your way then is to take gentle Purges, and take them often; for if the Purge be too strong, it will weaken Nature so, that the House (I mean the Body) will fall down before you can clense it of the filth; and of such a Nature usu∣ally is Melancholly.

  As for the Doses of Purges it is impossible to prescribe such general Rules, but they must of necessity do far more harm than good, for particulars you may if you please find them, in the first part of the Book concerning Simples, and in that part concerning Compounds.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vse., 1.
• * 1.2

  Use.
• * 1.3

  Use, 1.
• * 1.4

  2.
• * 1.5

  3.
• * 1.6

  4.
• * 1.7

  5.
• * 1.8

  Use.
• * 1.9

  Note.
• * 1.10

  Caut. 1.
• * 1.11

  Caut. 2.
• * 1.12

  Caut. 3.
• * 1.13

  Use, 1.
• * 1.14

  Use, 2.
• * 1.15

  Time of giving.
• * 1.16

  Caut. 1.
• * 1.17

  2.
• * 1.18

  3.
• * 1.19

  Use 1.
• * 1.20

  Use, 2.
• * 1.21

  Use, 3.
• * 1.22

  Caut. 1.
• * 1.23

  Caut. 2.
• * 1.24

  Caut. 3.
• * 1.25

  Defini∣tion.
• * 1.26

  Use.
• * 1.27

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.28

  I know not a bet∣ter word for Acer, than bi∣ting like Pepper.